This PhD research project is part of the collaboration between CU and A*STAR. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to conduct his/her research project both at CIH in Coventry and for up to 2 years at IHPC (Institute of High Performance Computing) in Singapore. By engaging in research in the UK and Singapore, the programme offers researchers the opportunity to access the state-of-art research facilities and advance their knowledge and expertise in sensors including photoplethysmography (PPG), physiological measurement and bio-signal processing, whilst they develop their intercultural skills and international networks and collaborations.
The successful candidate will enrol at Coventry University, UK as their home institution and will spend up to 2 years at IHPC of A*STAR. Our Coventry group is experienced in the intelligent healthcare, sensing and physiological measurements and analysis. The A*STAR group has rich experiences in advanced signal processing of physiological data. The complementary expertise of both groups will ensure the successful implementation of this collaborative project.
If you are interested in applying, please contact Prof John Allen in the first instance. [Email Address Removed]
Photoplethysmography (PPG, a technique often found in wearable fitness monitors / watches) is a low-cost optical pulse technique that can detect tissue blood volume changes with each heartbeat. It is often used at the skin surface at body measurement sites such as the finger and toe pads. PPG waveforms are multi-component and are known to contain valuable physiological information in health and disease. As well as standard peripheral PPG pulse measurements we have explored the signals from across the torso and close to heart level where additional interesting cardiovascular features have been observed. We will study the signals further by developing novel PPG sensing technology with advanced signal processing and visualization for the non-invasive assessment of the cardiovascular system. The work will also inform key sensing/analysis know-how to take forward for future studies on patients with heart and circulatory diseases.
We are looking for highly motivated candidates ideally with previous experience of physiological sensor development or digital signal processing. The PhD project requires working with biosensor, physiological measurement, and bio-signal processing researchers at different stages along the development pathway – and will lead to high-quality publications. It will involve sensor prototyping, pilot clinical data collection and analysis, and the visualization and study of complex data sets.